“The proposed legislation seeks to create a dual policing framework under which state governments would be empowered to establish, fund, and manage independent police forces while the Nigeria Police Force continues to function as the country’s federal law enforcement agency.”
The long-debated proposal to establish state police across Nigeria has moved a significant step closer to becoming law following the transmission of the executive framework for the State Police Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senate on June 23, 2026.
Following the submission, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Constitution Review Committee to immediately examine the provisions of the bill and report back for further legislative consideration.
The development marks another major milestone in the ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture amid growing calls for decentralized policing to address insecurity more effectively at the grassroots level.
Current Legislative Status
The House of Representatives had earlier passed its version of the bill on June 11, 2026, approving the transfer of policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. The move would empower individual states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police structure.
The Senate had also passed a separate version of the bill for second reading earlier in June. However, rather than proceeding directly to a final vote, the fresh executive bill submitted by President Tinubu has now been referred to committee review for detailed scrutiny.
Legislative proceedings experienced a brief delay during Tuesday’s emergency plenary session as lawmakers paid tribute to the late House of Representatives member, Yahaya Tongo.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Law
Dual Policing Structure
The proposed legislation seeks to create a dual policing framework under which state governments would be empowered to establish, fund, and manage independent police forces while the Nigeria Police Force continues to function as the country’s federal law enforcement agency.
Safeguards Against Political Abuse
One of the major concerns raised by critics of state policing has been the possibility of governors using state police to intimidate political opponents.
To address these fears, the bill proposes the establishment of independent State Police Commissions responsible for recruitment, promotions, discipline, training, and operational oversight. These commissions are expected to ensure professionalism and reduce political interference in policing activities.
Funding Controversy
Funding remains one of the most debated aspects of the proposal. Discussions continue around a provision that would dedicate three percent of allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to support the operations of state police forces.
Supporters argue that the allocation would guarantee sustainable funding, while opponents question whether the arrangement would place additional strain on government finances.
What Happens Next?
Before state police can become a constitutional reality in Nigeria, several critical steps must still be completed:
1. Senate Final Passage: The bill must secure a two-thirds majority during its third reading in the Senate.
2. Harmonization Process: Any differences between the House and Senate versions must be reconciled by a joint conference committee.
3. State Assembly Ratification: At least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly must approve the constitutional amendment.
4. Presidential Assent: The final harmonized bill will then be transmitted to President Tinubu for signature into law.
A Defining Security Reform
If successfully enacted, the State Police Bill would represent one of the most far-reaching constitutional and security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999.
Supporters believe localized policing will improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community security, and enable quicker responses to crime and insecurity. Critics, however, continue to advocate for stronger safeguards to prevent political misuse and ensure adequate funding.
The leadership of the National Assembly has set an ambitious target of completing all legislative procedures and securing the necessary state approvals before the end of 2026.
Editor’s Note
The debate over state police has lasted for decades, but Nigeria’s worsening security challenges have pushed the issue from political rhetoric to legislative reality. Whether this reform ultimately succeeds will depend not only on its passage but also on the safeguards put in place to ensure professionalism, accountability, and independence from political influence.
✒️ By Noel Chiagorom — The Nation’s Eyes Newspaper
Seeing Beyond the Headlines, Telling the Truth Others Won’t.
